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Tateh In Doctorow's Ragtime

1190 Words5 Pages

“In every well-governed state, wealth is a sacred thing; in democracies, it is the only sacred thing” (France). In modern society, success is often defined by the number of digits in one’s bank account, but how much is one willing to sacrifice for fame and fortune? E.L. Doctorow’s Ragtime examines issues surrounding the pursuit of wealth. Tateh is symbolic of the immigrant and representative of his desires, struggles, and achievements during the early 20th century. Tateh may claim to be a socialist, but due to his thoughts and actions, he displays evidence of capitalist ideologies. To comprehend Tateh’s character, one needs to contemplate Tateh’s life before his introduction within the novel. Tateh’s arrival is identical to that of a typical …show more content…

Therefore, it is not hard for Tateh to abandon socialism. At the dawn of the novel, Tateh is poor and despises the wealthy for his inability to provide for his family, but once he gains status, all ill thoughts in relation to wealth vanish. After his success, Tateh is first mentioned at a hotel emblem of the old world enjoying his newfound wealth, even more so than the old world does: “It was enormously pleasurable to see the world as the Baron did, alive to every moment” (215). Not to mention that thereafter, all notions of socialist action obliterate. Tateh does not use his success to aid the cause, nor does he attend any further socialist meetings or speak out about his cause. He does not even give out his money to support socialism reminiscent of what Evelyn does earlier in the novel. Tateh does not retain any socialist beliefs. Yet, Tateh persists in citing that he is a socialist because he is pragmatic. “I am a Jewish socialist from Latvia. Mother accepted him without hesitation.” (269). He recognizes the crumble of capitalism and the idea of equality gaining popularity. The word ‘socialist’ becomes a label, a marketing strategy. “Actually not one movie but several were made of this vision.” (270). It is socialism that earns him money. Hence, it is beneficial for Tateh pretend to be

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